Skin Biopsy, What you need to know
Wait 24 hours after your procedure before allowing the wound to get wet. After one day you should clean the wound with soap and water daily. After you wash the wound you should cover it with an ointment and a bandage. Keep the wound moist and covered. Proper wound care will accelerate healing and minimize scarring.
You will be notified of biopsy results by phone or via the online patient portal in the next few days. If you do not hear from us in 10 business days, please contact the office.
Common Care for after biopsy (unless otherwise instructed):
- Wash the wound carefully with mild soap and water.
- After bathing, apply an ointment to keep the wound moist. This is a very important step. Keeping the wound moist prevents scab formation. Scabs delay healing and increase scar formation. Several recent studies have shown that plain Vaseline® or Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is as good, if not better than the true antibiotic ointment.
Recommended products for after biopsy:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment®, Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly® or Polysporin®.
- Cover the moistened wound with a Band-Aid® or other non-adhesive dressing.
- Continue this routine until you return for suture removal. If you do not have sutures you should continue moistening and covering the wound instructed for 5 to 10 days
Call the office if:
- You develop a fever.
- You have redness around the wound.
- You see red lines extending away from the wound.
- You have pain. Discomfort should be minimal after most dermatologic surgery. If you are having significant pain it could be a sign of infection.
- You see pus draining from the wound. It is normal for a wound to be moist and slightly green/grey or even light yellow if properly cared for. In most cases, those colors are signs of new collagen being formed.